A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake has struck central Colombia, leaving significant destruction across several cities and triggering large-scale rescue operations. The epicenter was located near Villavicencio, about 80 kilometers southeast of Bogotá, and the quake struck at approximately 10:47 a.m. local time. The tremor lasted nearly 45 seconds and was felt across a wide area, including Medellín and Cali.
In Bogotá, the most severe damage was reported in a densely populated residential district, where a multi-story apartment building partially collapsed and now leans dangerously against an adjacent structure. Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities and dozens of injuries, while emergency services warn that several residents may still be trapped under the debris.
Images from the scene show extensive structural failure in the red-brick building, with collapsed balconies, cracked exterior walls, and exposed steel reinforcements. Debris is scattered across the street below, while damaged fixtures hang from weakened sections of the structure. The scene reflects the scale of destruction and instability left behind by the quake.
Rescue teams, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel are working continuously at the site. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear rubble as crews search for survivors in challenging and hazardous conditions. The area remains secured as operations continue.
Officials have urged caution due to possible aftershocks, while damage assessments are still underway across the affected region.
